Donizetti: L'elisir d'amore (Macerata, 2002)

 

A unique approach, a young cast and excellent support provide for a delightful recording. At first it seems odd that the singers and dancers, wearing traditional costumes, are performing in front of and within the orchestra. The conducting is spirited if not creative; the orchestra and chorus are well-drilled and the soloists (and audience) are enjoying themselves.

Some technical matters are disturbing. All the singers are miked and the balance is sometimes off because of engineering errors. At times, the performance is geared to the monitors in front of and above the singers (the conductor is usually behind them). There are lapses of lip sync, noticeably in Act II, which suggest that the video has been patched into the audio (or vice versa). Those are distractions for the critical viewer, rather than faults affecting the opera lover. On the positive side, supplementary material is on a separate disc so that no resetting of audio and language options is needed during the opera itself.

Esposito is somewhat older than the others and clearly a proven pro. Her voice is not always ingratiating, but in spirit and delivery she is quite fine. Machado acts and sings the part with distinction. He is a lyric well short of such ideals as Valletti, di Stefano and Bergonzi, but he is at home in the role. Like the others, he shows pleasure in the production and never lets stage business interfere with vocal excellence. Marrucci is an exception with an unattractive instrument, particularly in the upper reaches, and an unyielding, slapstick approach. Schrott is miscast, but overcomes that with his excellent instrument, skill in using it, and willingness to try to fit his physical appeal and youth into a role in which they are not advantages. Canzian is better than most Giannettas, but the engineers do not help her, amplifying her voice very little.

The video is effective through skillful lighting and there is a crisp image. Stereo separation in the orchestra is used to good effect and the sound overall is excellent. In sum, this DVD is recommended, if only as relief from other over-produced, under-enthusiastic alternatives. Watch for Schrott in years to come. Let's see if we can encourage 'The Powers That Be' to use the same forces and concept for a La sonnambula (where no baritone is needed)!

Related website:
TDK Mediactive www.tdk-mediactive.com

Naxos is due to release the DVD in the USA (DVUS-OPDP) on 23 September 2003.

Michael Richter, 27 August 2003

mrichter@cpl.net

 

See also Michael Richter's Introduction to the DVD, for a list of other reviews see the DVD Project page.